Department of Human Settlements administrative clerk and an alleged accomplice have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a plot to assassinate a senior government official who had exposed corruption involving the illegal sale of RDP houses.
The suspects, Thulani Collen Ndwandwe (49) and Tonia Mphemba Hlongwane (48), appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, where they were remanded in custody until 13 July 2026 for a formal bail application.
According to the Hawks’ East Rand Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) unit, the arrests followed an intensive investigation launched in 2024 after the targeted official lodged a complaint.
Investigators allege the official became the target of hired hitmen after actively working to prevent corrupt activities involving the unlawful sale of government RDP houses to people who were not legitimate beneficiaries.
The Hawks said the intimidation campaign allegedly included multiple failed ambush attempts, telephonic death threats and a shooting incident.
Following months of intelligence gathering, investigators identified the suspects and obtained warrants for their arrest.
On 2 July 2026, investigators tracked down the first suspect in Mpumalanga, where he was arrested. A search of his property uncovered an extensive cache of firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle, four 9mm pistols, an automatic pump-action shotgun, two .308 high-calibre rifles and an air rifle.
Although the suspect is licensed to possess the firearms, police confiscated the entire arsenal and ammunition for ballistic testing to establish whether the weapons had been used in other violent crimes.
The operation continued the following day when members of the Hawks, assisted by the Digital Forensic Investigation Unit, arrested the second suspect, an administrative clerk employed at the Alberton Human Settlements Department.
Police believe the clerk played a key role in allegedly coordinating the assassination plot from within the department.
During the operation, investigators seized four laptops and seven cellular phones, which will undergo forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
Both suspects have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder in terms of Section 18(2)(a) of the Riotous Assemblies Act 17 of 1956.
The Hawks said investigations are continuing and further charges or arrests have not been ruled out.
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